Slit identification X-ray cassette



IWI-'H 2% E95@ II. M. F. Masai-IAN ET MI sLIT IDENTIFICATION RAY CASSETTI Filed DeC. 5, 1948 INVENTOR Runkel Ma E lMrSch/mw Patente Apr. Z5, 1950 .srArss 2,505,562 sur innN'rIrrcA'rIoNX-RAY CASSETTE Application December 6, 1948, Serial-N0."631734 (Cl. 25o- 67) 6 Claims. l

Thepres'entinvention relates to improvements in X-ray cassettes for taking and identifying X- raylms 'and'mor'e'particulanly to an X-ray cassette `which Ais constructed in "such manner that Iii-ray films may be simply and effectively identified, with the patients name and all pertinent data, simultaneously with the X-ray exposure.

In the past, various means for identifying X- ray iilms simultaneously with the X-ray exposure have been used but they are objectionable either because the identification is not suiciently reliable, as when lead numbers or letters are placed on the cassette, or because the apparatus is complex, cumbersome and expensive. Reliable identication simultaneously with the X-ray exposure is particularly important from the medico-legal aspect.

According to the present invention, a simple, reliable and effective means is provided for identiying X-rays by having the information required for identication photographed directly on the film at the time the exposure is made.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cassette which is simple in construction and which enables an identification slip to be easily inserted at the edge of the cassette so that it Will overlie the X-ray film and will be in the path of the rays as they travel to the nlm.

The invention will 'be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a perspective view of a cassette enibodying the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the back of a cassette, with a portion broken away to better illustrate the invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an identication holder for use with a cassette embodying the present invention; and

Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette taken on line tI-t of Figure 2.

In Figure 1 a cassette I I is shown having a conventional front plate I2 made of Bakelite or other suitable material. A light-proof opening I3 adapted to receive an identication holder I4 is provided along an edge of the cassette II near one corner thereof.

The back of the cassette II is provided with conventional locking levers I5 and hinges I6 as shown in Figure 2 so as to provide access into the cassette for loading with film.

In Figure 2 the broken away portion reveals the position of the identification holder I4 when it has been inserted in the cassette through open- 2 ling I3. jAsishown in "Figure 3, the identication vholder -I`=tlcofnprises a folded sheet'of transparent, relatively stiif material such as Celluloid or a transparent or `translucent plastic material. A removable transparent slip Il bearing identification data is inserted between the folds of the holder I4 before it is inserted in the cassette. The identification data can be placed on the slip Il by means of any writing or printing ink such as typewriter ink, India ink, or modied India ink, the opacity of which has been intensified by the addition of a barium salt or the like. The slip Il may be made of any desired transparent or translucent material such as regenerated cellulose, known as cellophane or the like.

As will be seen in Figure 4, the cassette comprises a hinged back plate I Ii of metal or the like and the front plate I2. A` resilient pad I9 of felt or the like and a fluorescent intensifyingscreen 2! are provided in the customary manner between the back I9 and the X-ray nlm 2l. On the opposite side of the nlm 2l, a second iiuorescent intensifying screen 22 is provided. In the corner which receives the identication holder I fi, the front plate I2 is recessed as at 23 and the corresponding corner of the intensifying screen 22 is cut out. A small intensifying screen 24 is provided to t into the recess 23. lThis permits the holder Iii to be inserted between the nlm 2! and the small screen 2@ as shown in Figure 4.

The opening I3 is formed by metal lips 25 and Z which extend divergently from the edge of the cassette. 'Iwo felt pads 2 and 28 are secured to the inside surface of the metal lips to render the opening light-proof and to facilitate insertion and removal of the holder I I from the cassette. To prevent the holder I 4 from striking the edge of screen 24 and to guide the holder to the proper side of nlm 2|, two guides 29 and 30 composed of Celluloid or other suitable material are provided as shown in the drawing.

Although the present invention has been described by reference to the specific embodiment shown in the drawings, it will be understood that various modifications which would be apparent to one skilled in the art are not excluded. Changes in materials may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention providing they serve the desired function and purpose. The use of a hinged door over the recess in addition to, or as a substitute for, the light-proof opening I3 is not excluded.

What is claimed is:

1. An X-ray cassette comprising a frame, a front plate provided with a recess in one corner thereof, an intensifying screen having a cut out portion corresponding with said recess, a small intensifying screen disposed within said recess, a photographic film overlying said intensifying screens, said frame being provided with an opening along one edge adjacent the recess, means for substantially preventing access of light into the casette through said opening, identification means insertable through said opening, guide members extending from a point inside the ycassette adjacent said recess and between the film and said small intensifying screen to a point adjacent said opening for guiding said identification means into position between said lm and said small intensifying screen.

2. An X-ray cassette as claimed in claim 1 wherein said identication means comprises a light transmitting holder and an identification slip contained Within said holder.

3. An X-ray cassette as claimed in claim 2 wherein said holder has a length greater than the length of the recess so that a portion of said holder will project from the opening in the cassette after having been inserted therein.

4. An X-ray cassette as claimed in claim 2 wherein the holder and identication slip are composed of transparent material, said identification slip carrying indicia composed of an opaque material.

5. An X-ray cassette as claimed in claim 4 wherein the opaque indicia comprises an opaque ink.

6. An X-ray vcassette as claimed in claim 5 wherein the ink comprises India ink containing an ingredient for intensifying the opacity thereof.

RACHEL M. F. MESCHAN. ISADORE MESCHAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,077,500 Townsend et al Apr. 20, 1937 2,332,375 Files Oct. 19, 1943 2,371,843 Powers Mar. 20, 1945 2,426,286 Stadler Aug. 26, 1947 

